Gun bill was easy, smart and patriotic

Jackie Barden stands with her children, Natalie and James, as President Barack Obama speaks Wednesday in the White House Rose Garden of the White House. Barden's other son, Daniel, was killed in the Newtown. Conn., massacre.

The vote of these 45 senators was cowardly, and ignored the will of the American people. These legislators voted in favor of special interests instead of the best interests of Americans. This legislation was easy, smart and patriotic. Expanded background checks are the minimum of what this country should pass to protect our families and communities. Ideally, we would also pass a ban on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and strengthen laws against gun trafficking.

Women will go to the polls at the next election to change the Congress, one vote at a time.